The most common mechanisms of HPV infection: how is human papillomavirus transmitted?

Papillomavirus (PVI) infection - belongs to the group of anthroponotic pathogens (transmitted exclusively from person to person).

The route of infection is determined by several options for the development of events: through sexual contact, through blood, by home remedies (with a latent form of the disease - "wart").

Methods of infection

As mentioned above, there are only three main ways of infection - through sexual contact, through blood, by household means.

Penetrating through the protective barrier of the skin, mucous membranes and circulatory system, HPV has an extremely negative impact on the patient's health.

Typically, a person experiences:

1. Persistent weakness.
2. Feeling of nausea, aggravation in the hypochondrium.
3. Pain syndrome.
4. Problems with the urinary and reproductive systems (difficulty urinating, appearance of sharp paroxysmal pain in the perineum).
5. Burning sensation in the groin.
6. Dizziness against the background of a frequent rise in body temperature.
7. A general decline in the body's protective functions (frequent colds, a long recovery period after an illness).
8. Itching of the skin, which is accompanied by the appearance of papilloma.

To recognize the presence of a viral infection and to consult a doctor in time, it is necessary to consider the preconditions for the occurrence of this disease.

Prerequisites for infection

The most common prerequisites for developing HPV include:

1. Weakened immunity.
2. The presence of other chronic diseases that undermine the body's resistance to all kinds of external attacks.
3. It is about hepatitis, lack of human immunity (HIV), cardiovascular diseases, genetic abnormalities, rare inherited forms of the disease.
4. Debauched sex.
5. Unprotected sexual contact.
6. Infection from a loved one in everyday life: when using dishes, sheets, towels, with a kiss, hugs.
7. Use of public places of culture and recreation.
8. Visit beauty salons.
9. Separation of personal items: comb, manicure accessories.

Important!

Timely vaccination will protect against the most aggressive strains of the virus.

Transmission routes

The papilloma virus is transmitted through bodily contact, transplacental (transplanted from infected surfaces), with the help of cerebrospinal fluid (blood, saliva, sweat).

Therefore, if there is a sick person in the family, it is necessary to constantly treat all surfaces with a special antiseptic, follow strict rules regarding personal contact and monitor the condition of the skin (even microcracks can become initial areasof injury).

Can HPV be infected through family contact?

Papillomavirus infection is perfectly transmitted through common objects as well as through saliva. This should not be forgotten if there is a sick person at home.

Distribution mechanism:

1. Kiss, hug. With saliva and sweat, PVI passes from one person to another. This is possible due to the fact that the virus moves freely through the mucosa, is present in saliva and cerebrospinal fluid.
2. When using personal hygiene items that belong to the patient.
3. When shaking hands. Skin microtraumas can be excellent conductors of infection.
4. When using shared dishes.
5. When transferring things, objects from an infected person to a healthy person (this type of infection is very resistant to the influence of environmental factors).

Can HPV be sexually transmitted?

Since mucous membranes, skin, and their derivatives (secretions, blood vessels, saliva) are carriers of the genetic material, it is possible to become infected with human papillomavirus through sexual contact; as well as when using public baths, saunas.

Transmission mechanism:

1. Directly during sexual intercourse (this is especially true for oral and anal sex).
2. When using shared showers, baths, saunas. Without proper antiseptic and antibacterial treatment, such sites are the basis for all kinds of infections.
3. When using a partner's underwear and clothes (especially for women who like to wear men's shirts, t-shirts, shorts, family shorts).

Is the virus transmitted from mother to child?

Transmission of the infection from mother to child is called the "vertical transplant route". This type of papillomavirus transmission is one of the most dangerous, as it damages the child's body and intellect.

After performing HPV, especially in the early stages (1 trimeter), doctors insist on an abortion for medical reasons.

Autoinfection

Self-infection is only possible if untreated hygiene items are used. For example: razors, toothbrushes, nail clippers and the like.

With this form of papilloma virus transmission, the patient does not feel discomfort for a long time and leads a normal life. And when the first symptoms of the disease appear (which are very similar to banal overwork), he ignores them without going to the doctor.

What types of HPV are most dangerous?

The most dangerous types of Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) include types 16 and 18. They have strains that provoke the appearance of malignant neoplasms - cancerous tumors that when they grow can metastasize.

The most common manifestation of exposure to one type of virus is the appearance of diseases such as: cervical cancer, infertility, pulmonary and bronchial changes, acute deficiency of immunoglobulins.

Note! Cervical cancer can only occur due to the more aggressive form of the virus. Most papillomas are not dangerous.

Diagnosing

To detect the presence of Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) in the body, a range of more complex hardware techniques help.

• Colposcopy. A colposcope is a medical device that allows you to accurately determine changes in the mucosa of the genitourinary system: to detect inflammation, damage and spread of viruses, fungal bacteria. Its use to determine the presence of HPV in the body is used to conclusively confirm the diagnosis. This device is capable: under 30-fold magnification, find the source of inflammation, determine its nature, make an itch directly on the affected area.
• PCR examination. This laboratory method is a differential diagnosis of this type of disease. PCR makes it difficult to determine the type of virus, but also the route of infection. For this analysis it is required to take samples of biomaterials: blood, urine, semen.
• Digi Testi. A modern diagnostic technique based on the separation of a small area of affected skin for study. Using this approach, medical specialists can tell 100% exactly what kind of virus is present in the body, what is its concentration, if it is in reactive form, to which antiviral drugs it is sensitive.
• Cytology. It is a study of the problem at the cellular level. For this, the upper layer of the papilloma is removed, a special section of mucosa is taken. With the help of a heavy microscope and a basic set of reagents, laboratory assistants study the behavior of the virus, its effect on the body (make a prediction), the degree of damage to the body's internal systems.
• Histological diagnosis. The purpose of this technique is to study morphological changes in tissues. Study material was obtained using a biopsy.

Treatment

Treatment of Human Papilloma Virus includes strict adherence to sexual abstinence, use of broad-spectrum antibiotics, immunomodulatory medications, vitamin complexes, and medications to reduce the effect of the virus on the body.

You should also restrict access of healthy people to personal items, hygiene products, dishes and bedding. When malignant neoplasms caused by a virus appear, corrective treatment or surgery is performed with a long rehabilitation period.

Ways to prevent the disease

The main ways to prevent HPV are:

• Compliance with the rules of sanitary and domestic security of living space.
• Use of contraceptives.
• Control over the state of health by specialized specialists.
• Use personal hygiene products strictly for their intended purpose, without transferring them to third parties.
• No trips to places with increased risk of infection: baths, saunas, swimming pools, water parks, massages and beauty salons.
• Protecting the skin from interaction with a large number of external factors.
• Protecting one's health by isolating oneself from those who are ill with any infectious and viral diseases, skin diseases.

It is simply impossible to cope with a complex viral infection on your own. Medical examination, timely appeal for qualified assistance to a wide group of specialists will be the first and most serious step to face the existing problem.

If such a problem occurs, one of the family members should immediately undergo a routine diagnosis and follow all the doctor's instructions to avoid the spread of the virus. In addition, we should not forget about precautions that will help prevent infection.